It said his conduct in the incident 鈥渨ould be regarded as deplorable by fellow practitioners鈥? but said it was an isolated incident with no further complaints since.

It found there was a low risk of further failings but said it had to find his fitness to practise was impaired 鈥渢o maintain public confidence and uphold proper standards鈥?

A spokeswoman for St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Whiston hospital, said: 鈥淭he doctor was referred to the General Medical Council after the Trust found failings in the care he provided to a patient.

鈥淭he GMC have decided to suspend him for four months. The doctor has not worked at the Trust since concerns were raised.?/p>